Brief Answer:
Seems to be normal darkening of sun-exposed areas

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for posting the concern in the HCM. As I can see here, you are 25 year old male with fair complexion with present complaints of slight darkening of skin over face and exposed parts of the hands recently. You want to know two things-
1. The reason behind such darkening
2. The remedy for it
I will answer one by one.

1. Your face and lower part of your upper limbs are parts of your body that are exposed to sun directly during the daytime, while the rest of the body remains covered with cloths. Sun exposure increases melanin deposition and causes hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas.

2. Currently, there is no cure for hyperpigmentation. Only the appearance can be lightened and further increase can be prevented.
Preventive options-
1. Reduce exposure by covering extremities with full sleeve clothing, reducing the duration of exposure if possible.
2. You may use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15
3. Exfoliation by mild scrubbing is needed 1-2 times/ week for dry skin and 2-3 times/ week for oily skin.
Treatment option-
1. Lotion containing glycolic acid
2. Cream containing Kojic acid
3. Hydroquinone creams

You should consult a local dermatologist for further evaluation.

There are certain features to which you need to be watchful-
1. Any itching or scaling or drying of the skin in the affected parts.
2. Any altered sensation in the affected part.
3. Any sudden increase in darkening.
In the above mentioned cases you need to visit your local dermatologist urgently for further help.

If you find this answer helpful, please close the thread and rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik Sarkar

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Brief Answer:
It is a cosmetic product with SPF 15+

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for posting again.

Firstly, I would tell you that fair and handsome is a cosmetic product. I cannot comment on its efficacy and safety issues. However, the manufacturer claims that the product comes with SPF 15+. If that is so, it can be used as sunscreen protection. Whether it is good or bad, I cannot comment as well because I don't know the safety and efficacy of the product.

Secondly, no product can reduce the duration of sun exposure. Staying indoor whenever possible and wearing full sleeve cloths can help in this regard. Creams and lotions can give hydration to your skin, help in exfoliation, may have antibacterial effect and may protection from UV rays.

Please apply a fingertip of the product over your back and check for hypersensitivity/ allergy reactions if any before applying it over exposed areas.

If you find this answer helpful, please close the thread and rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr Kaushik Sarkar

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Brief Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much for appreciating the answer. For any future query, please write back.
If you find my answer helpful, please close the thread and rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik Sarkar

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